Milimani North - Mafia Island

Pointe aux Fous sits in the heart of the Cousteau Reserve, a solid choice for an easy dive. We usually drop in around 6 metres, winding our way through scattered coral heads that don't get much deeper than 15 metres. It’s a busy spot, often with big schools of balao and whiting swirling around. Keep an eye out for lobsters tucked into crevices or a stingray gliding past. On a good day, we’ve even had rough-toothed dolphins make a fly-by, which is always a treat. Average visibility hovers around 14 metres, decent enough to take in the action, and the depth makes it accessible for newer divers or those who just want a relaxed poke about.

Location
Mafia Island, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-7.942400, 39.785700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Mangrove

Best Time to Dive in Mafia Island

The warmest water temperatures in Mafia Island occur in January, averaging 28.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.8°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • February: 28.8°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • March: 28.8°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • April: 28.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • May: 28.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 28.8°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • July: 28.8°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • August: 28.8°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • September: 28.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 28.8°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • November: 28.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 28.8°C (air: 27.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Mafia Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Milimani North

Marine Life in Mafia Island

Home to 165 recorded species including 94 hard corals, 63 reef fish, 3 sharks & rays, 2 jellyfish, 1 other, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Milimani North

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for a dive at Milimani North?
The typical maximum depth for a dive at Milimani North is 15 meters. This allows divers to explore the beautiful bommies and hard coral formations that characterize the site.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Milimani North?
Divers at Milimani North can expect to encounter beautiful bommies on a white, sandy bottom, along with extensive hard coral formations starting at 5 meters. Keep an eye out for a vibrant cleaning station at around 17 meters, home to big moray eels, giant reef rays, shrimps, and crabs. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Milimani North dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Milimani North dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a rewarding experience, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers who are still gaining confidence.
What is the best time of year to dive at Milimani North for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Milimani North for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Milimani North?
The provided information for Milimani North does not specify any particular diving certifications required. Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess at least an Open Water certification and feel comfortable with their skills.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at the Milimani North dive site?
Divers at Milimani North can typically expect an average visibility of 12 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. Information regarding usual current conditions at this site is not available in the provided data.